A Personal Review Between ESS AND VF...Success is in the Quality and Service

Good evening all,

I hope everyone had a great Fourth of July weekend. I wanted to share what many know is nothing new, but was something I was extremely grateful and happy to be a part of.

I had some major issues back in March through June this year with my 2010 E90 M3.

This thread is to give an excellent letter of recommendation to ESS. in addition i have included factual references and my customer experience between another Supercharger vendor, VF.

I understand one persons experience differs from another. This is just my experience between the two proprietors. Every corporation runs into problems. No company, product nor person is perfect. However, if there is a constant pattern and demeanor that is provided by an organization that has negative consequences and their is no leadership or accountability taken to change and improve. That is concerning no matter who or what it is.

I have spoken to Roman on several occasions over the last three years of ownership of my E90 M3. At one point before being supercharged I bought their tune. Tune was fantastic and loved every minute of it. Really helped the car come alive when I was NA. My car is a 6spd so I have nothing to report in the software for the tranny. Everything else though that is incorporated into this tune was money well spent.

I always dreamed and obsessed about owning their SC kit one day, but financial limitations and health issues were preventing that dream. Until one day where I had overcome some major health problems (cancer) and told myself life was too short. So I pulled the trigger on a VF 540 as the price point of the kit was the max that I could afford at the time.

Anyways my review is about ESS's integrity, service, personalization and quality in their product. thus, is the reason why they are most likely selling the most supercharged kits for the BMW brand.

Roman quickly helped me when I was in a serious bind due to poor product representation by VF and faulty software that was causing multiple issues with my car and most importantly I could not pass readiness when I was clearly told on several occasions prior to purchasing and during the situation that it would pass.

Please note, prior to the issues I had wrote a letter of recommendation for Nik and VF. I was happy about their initial service and the transformation in power to my car. Any troubleshooting or issues that I had were always kept between VF and I. I even recommended several customers to them. Which I now regret and feel terribly embarrassed about.

During this stressful and horrible experience I started reaching out to Roman for recommendations on other options. As well as several other of the top end vendors for car tuning in the world. those conversations were based on, if this were your product and i was your customer what would you do? the same response kept coming up...we would reimburse you for the kit.

anyways, One thing led to another and based on Romans simple, honest, extremely thorough, concise and detailed breakdown on their product I pulled the trigger on a 585 kit.

Everything was ready to go and the kit arrived in one day, well packed and every part needed to assemble the kit (unlike VF where hoses, bolts to connect the bracket, etc..). Please note that when I bought the VF kit last year in September/October it took almost 12 weeks and a little help from McKenna to get the kit. Which was originally quoted between 2-4 weeks.

There was no magic product or special treatment that I got compared to anyone else that has purchased ESSs product. Just a very well run business practice and giving the customer what they are looking for.

I am so impressed by the ESS standards and quality that they deliver through service. During my time of extreme urgency, Roman would connect with me anytime of the day and even though no help or assistance was really required on the install. Himself and AJ were always available.

Now with VF it was a slightly different scenario. At one point with VF, there were 3+ weeks of no communication. When I was able to connect by trying all possible channels I would continue to get the same inconclusive, defensive and least helpful response. To swap all injectors back to stock, run stock software, but make sure not to push the car. well, my BMW dealer had a different outlook on that recommendation and considered it extremely unsafe and would not contribute to that labor.

However, I was assured that this was a "top priority" and they were testing all possible scenarios, which I wanted I believe and buy into. I was told to communicate only through email and when you call into the direct line you get an admin that won't even provide you with a part number for the replacement air filter!!!

I was able to start communicating with the head of VF, but that eventually turned south and was told to not contact him directly on his cell. This progressed once the issue was well down stream and I had made an offer for them to buy the kit back as I will not be able to get rid of it due to all the issues that were occurring.

THE NEW INSTALL OF ESS

Getting back to installing the 585 kit. The process was extremely easy and very detailed for my BMW dealer to install. The directions are fantastic that it comes in a PDF so you can zoom in via the computer and see the detail for certain components.

VF directions were straight forward, but were not as detailed nor had the option like ESS directions did. This is coming from my master technician and Dinan tech at BMW who did the install.

My BMW technician also referenced the materials and fitment were much better from ESS. Just the fact that ESS provides a custom cutout for the air filter in the bumper intake is first class. wit VF, you have to do it manually and just does not look good regardless of how it is done.

That is an opinion and observation and from side by side from my view I could see the differences as well. From how the manifold was designed and produced, the bracket for the SC is a work of art, the velocity stacks and the intercooler were all first grade materials and well worth the cost of the kit.

Most importantly once the kit was installed, I had no issues. No idle control valve problems, no Bank 1/2 faults,
The AFR is constant and never running too lean or rich, no limp mode...most importantly I have my inspection sticker!

It's amazing that its essentially the same blower with more power, but the true quality is in the software. Thus, no issues to date. Everything is running very well and I was sold exactly what ESS told me I was getting. Nothing more. Nothing less...well maybe more because again their service and professionalism are just on another level in comparison to what I experienced.

There are some good employees at VF that I spoke with during my short ownership of their product. One in particular is a Very nice guy and he has alot going for him.

With Roman and ESS, it's a whole different ball game and at this juncture I would consider Roman a friend. They were so responsive and the direction with regards to passing readiness were completely spot on. They stated at exactly 200 miles we would get the proper readiness and that is exactly what happened.

Again, no special coding or treatment. Just exactly what they advertise and provide to the public. And most certainly was I not being told, "it's for off road use only". For a company in CA where the strictest emissions apply. You would think that this would be put in place with the software. Or at a minimum disclose to the customer when they are purchasing a kit and need this readiness to state, our software cannot/may not pass readiness if you are in the following geographic states.

VF or ESS...Their Success and Quality is in their Integrity and Service.

I now know why the best Tuner shops in the world sell only ESS products. It is exceptional.

It all comes down to service, accountability and quality control. This market is flooded with tuners, manufacturers, etc.. There are alot of options for customers. It comes down to how well the product is designed (regardless of cost as there are many parts that are inexpensive and well built), manufactured and service and business process behind the company.

Thank you ESS. You will have a customer for life as long as I have the financial ability to drive cars that you are taking to another level of performance.. I will always buy from you and recommend your services to anyone that is of interest.

For those that have had difficulties with VF or any other vendor it's important to handle it within the company and you. And only when there is factual data and documentation to support poor product, quality and service should you then come to the community. The consumer and vendor need your feedback. Good or bad to make the right decision and help the company improve where they have weaknesses.

The Internet can be a very good thing or a place that can really impact a company because of a consumer before they have a chance to help you.

VF had their opportunity and at the end ESS delivered with a proven and flawless solution.

I will provide an analysis between the two kits performance wise once I have more time on the 585 kit.

i have heard nothing but really good things about ESS. This review alone keeps making me want their VT-550 kit more and more. You provide some great insight and I hope you enjoy your kit! I am looking forward to your analysis!

Thanks OP for sharing your story, and ESS too have provided excellent customer service to me over the years. Always available, and providing help any way they can. Their products are the most tested I've seen, and that counts in my book on the chances of a trouble-free ownership / OE like experience.

Ess is top notch. I am always impressed with roman whenever I speak to him!

__________________

BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR NEXT BMW, EMAIL US FIRST WE CAN HOOK YOU UP!Need a quote or assistance from David? GO HERE-->bmwdavid@icloud.com or 202-262-2900Having trouble getting a hold of David? PM me.Im available everyday till 645pm!!

Thank you to all who have take. The time to read and review. I know with no pics, graphs or videos it can be a pass.

There is nothing more pleasing to know that I have a made a difference for those who may take my advice into consideration.

We all work hard for money and I would never want anyone else to go through what I did. Granted I was determined to keep the car SC no matter what.

I just wished I did not use price originally to sway me to buy the VF.

In addition it means so much to see ACM, IND, MRF, etc..respond.

Their quality of work shown on the forums and in magazines is impeccable (of course with the help of the customer deciding). However, there is no doubt why they will only consider ESS products if you are going to SC.

There are alot of others that have gone through what I experienced (having talked to multiple forum guys during my dilemma).

I encourage you to voice and express your experience as well.

If I can touch one person and make a difference to them hopefully they will carry it to the next and so forth.

On a side note, took a couple M guys out yesterday for a drive in the car and they were blown away. I made my recommendations of who to call so watch out lilat, Roman, Illia, Nate!!

And this is the more modest kit!!

Lastly, I se the new M6 GC. I have not seen a more beautiful car under 200K that is being produced right now. That car is incredible.

Keep the responses and input coming all.

Thanks again for reviewing and responding.

ESS and Roman deserve alot of credit. No matter what they produce for our BMWs, you know the quality and service will be first class. Most importantly reliable.

No matter how small, how insignificant or what my question might be, EVERYTIME I ask Roman a question, he replies. That is one of the things that separates him and ESS from the competitors. They had delivered my kit w a painted blower and plenum. I guess whoever put the supercharger back together after paint didn't clock it right. Because of this, my hood kept hitting the supercharger and the paint started to come off. This was happening to mine and a friend of mine. We had bought both kits together. I took a picture if it and sent it to Roman. He immediately noticed they were clocked wrong. But what he did next was the amazing part. He asked the shop where we had our cars to remove both superchargers, send them back to him, he had them repainted, clocked correctly, and sent back to us. They not only paid for the shipping and painting, they paid the shop for the labor of removing and reinstalling. If that's not customer service, I don't know what is. They aren't just a notch above, they are remarkable.

You are spot on OP. Their customer service is phenomenal and THAT is how you keep your customers and attract new ones.

No matter how small, how insignificant or what my question might be, EVERYTIME I ask Roman a question, he replies. That is one of the things that separates him and ESS from the competitors. They had delivered my kit w a painted blower and plenum. I guess whoever put the supercharger back together after paint didn't clock it right. Because of this, my hood kept hitting the supercharger and the paint started to come off. This was happening to mine and a friend of mine. We had bought both kits together. I took a picture if it and sent it to Roman. He immediately noticed they were clocked wrong. But what he did next was the amazing part. He asked the shop where we had our cars to remove both superchargers, send them back to him, he had them repainted, clocked correctly, and sent back to us. They not only paid for the shipping and painting, they paid the shop for the labor of removing and reinstalling. If that's not customer service, I don't know what is. They aren't just a notch above, they are remarkable.

You are spot on OP. Their customer service is phenomenal and THAT is how you keep your customers and attract new ones.

Wow, amazing they did that for you. And equally amazing is how inept your install shop was to not realize the supercharger was incorrectly clocked. It's very easy to adjust and only takes a few minutes if that.

Thanks to op for his review and honesty. Anytime competitor sees an opportunity to outperform the competition-extra attention is given. Why not. It's business.
I have a question for op. why would you switch from stage 1 vf kit to ESS stage 2 kit and not to ESS vt1550 kit. ? Maybe because issues would have remained. ? If upgrading to stage 2 why not upgrade to vf620 kit.im sure it was much cheaper than ESS complete kit. The reason I bring this up is this. Vf540 kit is fairly new. And glitches are expected. Without proper feedback and feasible amount of time to generate problem report a fix is impossible to come by. And I think this is exactly what has happened here. You opted out for vt2 585 kit which has been in circulation for many years and all glitches had been worked out providing you with a trouble free supercharger kit. Just like,my vf620 kit.
Side note. I own several ford and mitsubishi trucks. Last year I bought a brand new Fuso fe180 truck. Brand New redisigned model for 2012. Prior to this truck I went through 5 Fuso fe180s and had no issues what's so ever. This 2012 model left me stranded on the side of the road more than 3 times with software and def issues. Each time limp mode and a hefty tow bill to get it back to the dealer. If I am not mistaken this brand new unit had over 7 recalls so far. And they keep on coming.
Op. I can understand your issues as I am in a similar Situation with Mitsubishi but not once have I questioned mistubishi quality and their ability to deliver a solid performer. In regards to ESS and vf. Both companies utilize many identical parts for their kits so in regards to vf manufacturing an inferior product. I and many vf owners will disagree with you. This is where it gets tricky. Roman is a great sales person. He will have you convinced e92 4.0 m3 engine performs on 6 cylinders on Tuesdays because it's a full moon in Alaska when need be because that's what great sales people do. I have friends who fell short of reaching satisfactory lever of customer service from ESS which choose not to post their life story online in 100 page essay format. Now I do not understand why you would not consider upgrading to a vf620 kit for a fraction of the price which would have solved your issues and instead spend another 10 grand on ESS kit that had sufficient time to be tweaked and perfected to outperform the vf faulty brand new kit on Tuesdays. When the full moon rises over Alaska. Jeff from vf is the person to talk to. I have his private cell number as some of other vf owner do aswell. He is very educated on our platform and I am sure he would have reached a solution for you as he has for me and other vf customers. I do agree vf is very difficult to get a hold off. I guess some people do more than just sit at their desks and answer phone calls and text messages all day long.

I haven't had the chance to respond to this post. Been busy lately.. I just can't understand what you just stated...why would I give a company more money for an upgrade when they can't fix my current problem..that's like giving your financial advisor more money when they continue to lose money and mAke poor investment decisions on your behalf. I did not want a 620 kit and this statement provides further confirmation that the 540 should not have been released to the masses. There were defects and bugs within the software. Secondly I did not spend what you stated for the ESS product. And again you are stating a valid point that the 540 should have been sold to the masses. ESS has perfected their product because they spent the time and R &D to ensure they would not be chasing a wild fire like this. 100 page essay. I took time out of my life to inform others and give credit where credit is due. This is not some bullshit rant. This is factual information and the post is to help others. Which I have and I am happy to do so. Whether its 1 or 100. This whole mod scene is a want business. No one actually needs these products for their car. when someone want to spend 100 or 15000+ of their hard earned income (which the median income in the US 50K and change). So if someone is spending 30% of what the majority of the US makes a year. The product better be spot on.

I went with ESS to also prove a point and confirm that the VF product was defective and causing issues to a perfectly healthy vehicle.

I will state all day long and so will the 700+ or so people in the world that the ESS product and their company as a whole is credibly well run, their product is almost bulletproof (which is dependent on how you care for it and cared for your car prior) and their service is something that VF should learn from.

Roman is an excellent salesman. I would hire him in a minute. Most importantly he is an honest and truthful person.

I did reference in my review there are good people there. Jeff is specifically who I am referencing. It was escalated to the owner of VF.

With regards to your statement about sitting and doing more ham just email and texting. This is the 21st century. Majority of communication is done through email and other forms of electronic and web based products. Yes people are busy and doing other things than constantly email, text, etc..I run a large IT company and I am not always able to respond immediately to calls or emails. However, when there is an issue with any of my client or product (which is a person) that is of the upmost priority.

As I have stated every company has problems. No matter what the product, cost, size, etc... You handle it in the same manner. VF may have good ideas, but their quality and service is going to prevent them from growing. They can be In every magazine out there. When the best tuner shops in the country will not sell or install their products that is a clear sign of something going on. I don't know about Europe so I can't comment.

I have stated numerous times, I bought into their idea of being different and was excited about it. However, once I started seeing how the business is run that made me know my money was not invested properly. I do hope they improve. Competition and variety in this market is good for the consumer and the tuning industry.

I am happy about investing my income into ESS. Best decision I made for my M3. This car I am keeping for life.

Thanks OP. I think your honest assessment may have swayed me. I have been pondering this for some time and I would have to admit that price and hype have me leaning towards the VF system. However, the more I speak to people, the more I am convinced that ESS may be the way to go. I do not have an issue first hand with VF but other's input is certainly valuable. I work hard for my money and don't want pay twice or spend the time on a system that may not be plug and play

Very nice review. I was close to purchasing from someone else a tune but didnt like the fact of having to sign a document for california thats its "it's for off road use only" disclaimer. Both are quite great tunes but your review of ess was very helpful in making a decision on it.